Giovani' s Bar and Grill

After participating in a 2 mile walk protest, my friends and I were famished. We decided to go somewhere nearby and the lucky spot was Giovani's Bar and Grill (1533 Chestnut Street). The front of the restaurant was narrow with tables against the wall on one side and a glass counter with pizzas behind as well as a kitchen. The front area mostly serviced people ordering to go. Once you walk past the pizza counter and register, there were more tables and a bar area. We were seated somewhere between the pizza counter and bar. The restaurant had a variety of American and Mediterranean foods. Below is what I got that night and what I got for lunch the following week.

I ordered the Grilled Fish Burger and Fresh Hand Cut French Fries. The fish burger was grilled tilapia with lettuce, onion, tomato, and tartar sauce on fancy burger buns. The veggies were fresh. I couldn't really taste the tartar sauce. The fish's texture was soft. Overall, the burger was just okay. I thought it was a little bland. When you are extra hungry food is supposedly better tasting. Well, it didn't apply to this case. Nonetheless, I finished the burger. The fries on the other hand were delicious. Even though the fries were not really crispy, they tasted good and fresh. The potatoes were mostly cut medium thick and some still have the skin on it. The inside was what I want to say flaky but I think crumbly is a better word to describe the texture of the fries. Definitely, one of the best fries I had.

Fish Burger

Fresh Hand Cut French Fries

I came here for round 2 the following week after a dentist appointment to get lunch. What a better way to celebrate a teeth cleaning than to get some greasy fries, right? I got an order of fries and two orders of Stuffed Grape Leaves. The fries were as good as I remembered. There were 8 Stuffed Grape Leaves in 2 orders and they came with some shredded lettuce underneath them. The Stuffed Grape Leaves were good. They were very tangy which I like, however, they were a little on the mushy side. Nonetheless, I enjoyed them very much.

Stuffed Grape Leaves and French Fries

Overall, I would say some of the foods are good and some are so so based on what I got and what my friends got and their experience. In addition, if you are staying, the service isn't as good but if you are ordering take-out, the service is excellent. I am glad I found this place because it can definitely be a regular lunch spot.

Lady M Confections- Green Tea Mille Crepe Cake

At a house warming party, a kind guest bought Lady M Confections Green Tea Mille Crepe Cake fresh from New York. The cake was hands on one of the most heavenly cakes I ever ate. The cake was a multi layer of crepe, cream, and matcha tea. It was mouse-like with all the cream. It sort of melted in your mouth except for the thin layers of delightful and somewhat chewy crepe which only required light chewing. As for the taste, it was creamy, sweet, and green tea-y. Every mouth full was just wonderful. It is amazing when I think about the tedious work that went into building this delicious creation. I tried counting the layers and I would say there were about 20 layers. This is definitely one of kind cake. I wished I could have more than one slice, but unfortunately, it was a party and you have to share 😞.

Green Tea Mille Crepe Cake

According to the Lady M Confections website, it has multiple locations in NY, a place in CA and MA as well as multiple shops in Singapore and Hong Kong. You can also order online the cakes online. I would highly recommend Lady M Confections. When I get the chance, I would like to visit one of its boutique in NY. Since it is quite pricey, I might only get these cakes for very very very special occasions.

Cafe Olé- Shakshuka

Cafe Olé (147 N 3rd Street) is a Mediterranean cafe offering coffee, tea, baked goods, breakfast and lunch foods, and Shakshuka. The cafe had a good number of seating outside and inside. It was quite busy when my friends and I visited the cafe for brunch. There was a continual flock of people ordering take out drinks and foods. 

Three of us shared the Vegetable Shakshuka. Shashuka as described on the menu is "a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine featuring three eggs poached in a lightly seasoned tomato sauce." Cafe Olé's Shakshuka is from a family recipe originating from Tunisia and has been passed down to many generation. I was very excited to try the Shakshuka because it looked delicious from the yelp pictures and it seemed like something I would like (l love eggs and tomatoes). The Vegetable Shakshuka supposedly had spinach, chick peas, potatoes, and mushrooms; however, my friend and I noticed that there were no potatoes. We were disappointed but later excused that fact because we asked for two servings of bread which essentially made up for the missing starch. The flavorful and delightful tomato sauce was served with bread. The bread reminded me of the one from the Cafe Fulya featured on this blog and unfortunately closed down. It was soft and airy inside, but hard and somewhat crispy on the outside. The bread soaked in the warm tomato sauce was amazing. The runny yolk from the eggs definitely positively added to the eating experience. In addition, there was a small bowl of feta cheese soaked in olive oil that come with this order. I am not sure if we were suppose to pour the cheese into the Shakshuka or dip the bread into the cheese. I just ended up not touching the cheese. I really enjoyed the Shakshuka. It was so tasty and hearty.

Vegetable Shakshuka

Of course, one of friends and I were being fatties and decided to share something sweet together. We got the waffle and fruits on the breakfast menu. It wasn't as good as I hope it to be. The waffle wasn't crispy on the outside and the dough was subpar. My friend commented that the dough tasted like pancake mix. I agree. It tasted like pancakes made in a waffle maker. It was dissatisfying to get a waffle that tasted like pancakes. On the bright side, the fruits were fresh and sweet.  Overall, I would like to come back for more Shakshuka and to try other things on their menu such as the pastries and sandwiches. 

Waffle and Fruits

Cheu Noodle Bar

Cheu Noodle Bar is a small restaurant located on 255 S. 10th Street with limited seating. I would say the food is fusion and gourmet. They are known for their ramen noodles.

I got the Buttersquash Rangoon as an appetizer. Rangoon is deep fried filled wontons. These rangoon were stuffed with squash, goat cheese, and poblano. One order came with four wontons placed on top of a plate that was drizzled with sweet and sour sauce. There were thin red strings on top of the wonton. I didn't know what there were and I was too afraid to eat it so I will just leave it as that. The wonton texture was great. The skin was crispy and the filling was creamy. This dish was a combination of sweet, savory, and spicy from the buttersquash, goat cheese, poblano and sweet and sour sauce. The wontons were absolutely delicious. I have not experience anything like this; hence, these wontons are considered spectacular under my standard😉 

Buttersquash Rangoon

For my entree, I ordered the Mushroom Yakisoba. The noodles were stir fried with snap peas and mushroom and topped with a pouched egg. The noodles were also sprinkled with sesame seeds and some unknown white flakes. The yolk from the eggs created a creamy sauce for the yakisoba. The noodles were soft. They tasted like ramen noodles that have been stir fried. The tendered mushrooms and crunchy snap peas added to the texture of the dish. Overall, the Mushroom Yakisoba was good. Considering the weather that day, I did wish I got noodles in a broth, but I didn't know yakisoba would be dry. Oh well, my fault for not asking or googling😟 . I know for next time.

Mushroom Yakisoba